HANG TIME SOUTHWEST — The last time the Jazz finished last in the Western Conference was 1979-80, their first season in Salt Lake after the team packed up and left New Orleans. There’s been only a few close calls over the decades, most recently a 26-win, second-to-last finish in 2004-05.

But not dead last.

At 24-58, Utah finished the ’79-’80 campaign tied with Golden State at the bottom of the 11-team West and pulled up the rear in a Midwest Division that went Milwaukee, Kansas City, Denver, Chicago. The Jazz had a 32-year-old “Pistol” Pete Maravich, whose knees were so shot that he played in just 17 games and retired, and a 23-year-old Bernard King, who played in just 19 games and sought help for a drinking problem.

Future Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley, then 23, averaged 28.0 ppg and found a home in the NBA. Shooting guards Ron Boone (12.8 ppg) and Terry Furlow (16.0 ppg) provided the majority of the backcourt scoring. Duck Williams chipped in 6.6 ppg off the bench, ABA vet Mack Calvin averaged 6.4 ppg in 48 games and 24-year-old journeyman Brad Davis signed late and played 13 games before spending the next 12 seasons in Dallas, who retired his No. 15 jersey.

As this mostly unrecognizable and already banged-up 2013-14 team tumbles toward the starting gate, they could use any of those old guards — forget John Stockton — for a little backcourt help. With non-playoff teams like Minnesota, Portland, New Orleans and Dallas looking improved, and new coaches and philosophies in Phoenix (led by ex-Jazz assistant and legend Jeff Hornacek) and Sacramento, could re-booting Utah be in jeopardy of its first last-place finish in three-plus decades?

That might not be all that bad — or even, wink, wink, the plan — considering the anticipated bumper crop of the 2014 Draft. Even money is on the Jazz equaling the 24 wins of ’79-80 when Tom Nissalke‘s club averaged 102.2 ppg to also finish dead last in scoring in a much different 22-team NBA. Through five preseason games, Utah is averaging 87.0 ppg and 18.8 apg, both of which would have ranked last last season.

In the interim, the always game, if not so venerable, John Lucas III appears to be the Jazz’s starting point guard. The next game he starts will be his third entering a sixth season bouncing in and out of the league since 2005. He’ll pair in the backcourt with either Alec Burks or Gordon Hayward, who whether starting at shooting guard or small forward (Richard Jefferson has started three preseason games here), will have to be this team’s Dantley.

Backcourt depth isn’t inspiring. Brandon Rush has yet to play as he recovers from last season’s torn ACL. Undrafted rookie combo guard Ian Clark has managed just 11.8 mpg in four preseason games. Lester Hudson and Scott Machado are scrapping for minutes.

After Burke’s broken finger there were rumblings of interest in bringing back free agent Jamaal Tinsley. Considering the Jazz aren’t exactly worried about losing ground in November — this season’s writing is on the wall — they might be more inclined simply to ride out Burke’s injury.

Just don’t expect smooth sailing. The Jazz get something of a break in their first six games, likely missing Russell Westbrook in their Oct. 30 opener against Oklahoma City, Rajon Rondo at Boston on Nov. 6 and perhaps Deron Williams the night before in Brooklyn. In the other three games they’ll face Phoenix’s new tandem of Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe on Nov. 1, Houston’s James Harden and Jeremy Lin on Nov. 2 and Chicago’s Derrick Rose on Nov. 8. Then comes this six-pack of opposing point guards: Ty Lawson, Jrue Holiday, Tony Parker, Steph Curry in a home-and-home series and Holiday again.

Ever-knowledgeable Jazz fans have shown a level of understanding as the franchise shifts directions and amasses Draft picks. Now comes the hard part — showing patience. They stand to witness more losses this season than since well before coach Jerry Sloan walked through that door.

6 Comments

That was so much expectation at the beginning when Trey was traded to Utah and the first game against Warriors was promising. Then again everything just seems like falling apart, which has once again reminded us this is rebuilding.

This is going to be a painful season to watch and it is going to be tough for all true Jazz Fans. I will hope Trey will do well in Utah, at the moment I can’t see the All Star in him yet, probably because of his size and the summer league, but who knows I could be wrong, only time will tell.

Trey Burke, Alec Burks, Gordon Haayward, Derrik Favors and Enes Kanter should be an exciting group to watch. The Jazz’s should allow them to grow together and develop chemistry. They will get it eventually an just need time, as far as Utah goes, that time starts now! No more tanking, Kids, get to work!

I am actually excited for this Jazz season even though it may be a rough season to endure. I think its time for something good to happen to the organaztion. I hope that we can bomb the season and get the number one pick in the 2014 NBA Draft! Lets bring the Mormon kid (Jabbari Parker) to Zion. That or lets see how good Andrew Wiggins really is at Kansas and maybe bring him to the Jazz and see what he can do for us. Its going to be hard to be a true Jazz fan this year but with how exciting this off season has been and all the teams adding new players I think it won’t be the worst if you can appreciate true basketball at its finest. Heres to a long season and to the Kings 3rd NBA title and 5th MVP.

I am excited as well. This talented frontcourt is long overdue to recieve starter minutes. Enes Kanter is a sure runner up for MIP (Most Improved Player).

I hope the front office will realize that of their talent is to develop they will need a steady hand at the point and that means a veteran who can run the offense and tutor Burke while not stealing too many minutes from him. I would put my bid in for Andre Miller who did a great job with Ty Lawson and could run this team to perfection and keep them from dipping too far from competing for a playoff race.

I look forward to seeing Gordon Hayward’s progression this year and seeing Derrick Favors at the bare minimum turn into a defensive presence in the Taj Gibson mold at least, or at best Al Horford (could be a huge stretch).